Request for Information - Next Generation Penetrator Tail Kit Development
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of the Air Force, Air Force Material Command (AFLCMC/EBDA) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the Next Generation Penetrator Tail Kit Development. This RFI, an update to a previous notice, seeks to understand industry capabilities for developing a materiel solution. Responses are due by 1400 (CDT) on March 23, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
This RFI is for market research purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. The Air Force is interested in industry capabilities to:
- Mature a Government-supplied technical data package (TDP) for a Weapon Open System Architecture (WOSA) designed tail kit.
- Develop operational flight program (OFP) software for the tail kit.
- Supply assets for flight testing and aircraft integration.
Specific areas of interest include Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) software with GPS-degraded capabilities, Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) testing, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing, developing a Critical Design Review (CDR) TDP Level 3, producing 3 to 5 full-scale Tail Kit (TK) systems, and providing support for developmental flight test series and aircraft integration.
Contract Details (RFI)
The Air Force is requesting information on a potential 9-12 month Period of Performance (PoP) for software and hardware development. Respondents should provide Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) estimates for software development, hardware procurement, HIL/SIL testing, and optional follow-on efforts.
Submission & Eligibility
Interested parties should submit white papers detailing their capabilities, adhering to specific page limits and file type restrictions. All responsible businesses, including small businesses, are encouraged to respond, and the Government may consider a small business set-aside based on responses. Respondents must be registered in SAM.
- Questions Due: 1200 (CDT) on March 9, 2026
- Responses Due: 1400 (CDT) on March 23, 2026
- Published: February 23, 2026
Additional Notes
A controlled document with system attribute details is available upon request via DD Form 2345 until March 3, 2026. Responses to this RFI are voluntary and will not impact future ability to submit if a solicitation is released.